Heading into the national semifinal against Penn State, all eyes are on Lexi Rodriguez. She’s not just a libero; she’s the libero—arguably the best player on the Nebraska Huskers roster and a serious contender to become the first-ever libero to snag the AVCA Player of the Year award. No pressure, right? Lexi’s got that game-changing vibe, the kind that makes her look like a superhero to both fans and teammates.

Her teammates aren’t shy about singing her praises, either. Lexi’s the spark lighting the fire in the locker room. And among her biggest admirers? Fellow libero Olivia Mauch, who’s not just taking notes but throwing in some public props. Olivia—dubbed a big asset by head coach John Cook—made it clear just how much Lexi’s leadership and presence mean to the team as they prep for their clash with Penn State.

Olivia Mauch didn’t hold back on the praise for Lexi Rodriguez

Olivia Mauch couldn’t have been more glowing about Lexi Rodriguez when she spoke on the Huskers Radio Show before Nebraska’s showdown with Penn State. Asked about Lexi’s influence, Olivia didn’t mince words. As a freshman libero, Olivia naturally respects her senior. “Lexi has been a key player for all of her four years, I think, so just, like, to be able to watch her, I feel like some balls you’re like, oh, that’s going down, and then she just comes in and picks them right up,” Olivia said. And honestly, who could argue?

Lexi Rodriguez’s defensive plays feel like volleyball sorcery. Her stats and accolades? They tell the same story. She’s a two-time AVCA All-America First Team pick, a Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (twice!), and she’s been racking up awards since her freshman year, including AVCA National Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week five times. Oh, and let’s not forget her smarts—she’s acing it in the classroom as a Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll regular.

Lexi’s also making history on the court, sitting at No. 2 in school history for career digs with 1,882—just nine shy of breaking Justine Wong-Orantes’ record. This season, she’s been the backbone of Nebraska’s defense, leading the team with 3.91 digs per set and helping them lock down a No. 4 national ranking in opponent hitting percentage.

It’s no wonder Olivia Mauch and the rest of the team look up to her. “I think she’s just, she’s such a key player, and I really look up to her,” Olivia said. And it’s not just the fans who are in awe—her teammates feel the magic too.

A glimpse of Lexi Rodriguez’s brilliance

Throughout the season, there are numerous instances where Lexi Rodriguez has proven herself to be arguably the best player in the NCAA. However, what makes her aura so incredibly high is the fact that one can look at the most recent match she has played in and find an instance of her showcasing her monstrous abilities.

Lexi Rodriguez’s last game was nothing short of a clinic. During the Elite Eight clash against Wisconsin, the Nebraska Huskers cruised past their rivals for the third time this season, sealing a convincing 26-24, 25-17, 25-21 win. As always, Lexi Rodriguez was at the heart of the action, delivering a performance that had fans and teammates buzzing. But one jaw-dropping moment stole the show.

In a tense rally with the score tied, it looked like the Badgers were about to snatch the point as the ball teetered on the brink of touching the Huskers’ floor. Enter Lexi, who dove like her life depended on it, not just saving the ball but also keeping the play alive in spectacular fashion. The rally ended with Nebraska taking the point—a small moment that might’ve shifted the momentum in their favor.

These are the kind of game-changing plays that make Lexi Rodriguez indispensable. Her ability to pull off the extraordinary in high-pressure moments has become her trademark, and performances like these are why the Huskers are so dangerous. If she keeps this up, there’s no telling how far she’ll carry this team—maybe all the way to the title? What do you think?